Key Findings of the Study

Regional Disparities

• • Dhaka recorded the highest accidents (1,191) and fatalities (1,220), with an alarming fatality rate of 102.4 deaths per 100 accidents.
• • Chattogram reported the highest injuries (2,035), accounting for 37.2% of national injury cases.
• • Rajshahi showed severe fatality patterns (98.8 deaths/100 accidents), while Barishal had the lowest rate (82.5).

Temporal Trends

• • June had peak accidents (730), while April recorded the most deaths (632).
• • Monsoon months (July–August) saw fewer accidents but higher severity (107.9 deaths/100 accidents in August).
• • December exhibited a 1:1 accident-to-death ratio in Dhaka and Rajshahi.

Vehicle-Specific Risks

• • Motorcycles dominated crashes (26.8% of total accidents) with high fatality rates (83–84 deaths/100 accidents).
• • Unclassified "other vehicles" caused 56.3% of fatalities (4,662 deaths) at an extreme rate of 306.7 deaths/100 accidents.
• • Heavy vehicles (trucks/buses) accounted for 38% of accidents despite comprising only 15% of road presence.
• • Protected vehicles (cars/ambulances) had the lowest fatalities (2%).

Risk Classification

• • Catastrophic risk: Unregulated "other vehicles."
• • Critical risk: Motorcycles/auto-rickshaws (due to rider exposure).
• • Severe risk: Heavy vehicles (mass and blind spots).
• • Minimal risk: Enclosed vehicles with safety features.

Public Health Implications

• • Urgent need for motorcycle safety measures, regulation of unclassified vehicles, and seasonal traffic management.
• • Disproportionate burden on urban centers (Dhaka, Chattogram) and vulnerable road users (motorcyclists, pedestrians).

Introduction

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) have emerged as a critical public health challenge in Bangladesh, with escalating fatalities and injuries imposing substantial socioeconomic burdens [1]. The World Health Organization estimates that RTAs claim approximately 25,000 lives annually in Bangladesh, representing one of the highest mortality rates in South Asia [2,3]. This epidemic of road trauma persists despite governmental initiatives, reflecting complex interactions between rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient regulatory enforcement [4]. The public health impact of RTAs extends beyond immediate mortality, encompassing long-term disability, psychological trauma, and substantial healthcare costs [5]. Studies indicate that RTA victims in Bangladesh face catastrophic health expenditures, with 62% of affected families experiencing financial distress [6]. Vulnerable road users—particularly pedestrians, motorcyclists, and three-wheeler passengers—account for 78% of fatalities, highlighting systemic safety inequities [7]. These patterns mirror global trends in low- and middle-income countries, where 93% of RTA deaths occur despite having only 60% of world's vehicles [8]. Existing research on RTAs in Bangladesh has primarily focused on isolated aspects such as driver behavior [9] or specific accident types [10], leaving critical gaps in comprehensive epidemiological understanding. Limited attention has been given to spatial-temporal patterns, vehicle-specific risks, and their combined public health consequences [11]. This knowledge deficit hampers evidence-based policymaking, particularly for resource allocation and targeted interventions [12]. The rapid motorization of Bangladesh compounds these challenges, with vehicle registration growing at 12% annually against only 3% expansion of road infrastructure [13]. This disparity creates hazardous conditions, exacerbated by mixed traffic flows where pedestrians share roads with high-speed vehicles [14]. Recent economic growth has increased private vehicle ownership, yet regulatory frameworks remain inadequate to ensure safety standards [15]. Compounding these issues is the lack of a unified national accident database, with current systems failing to capture critical variables like helmet use or road conditions [16]. This study addresses these gaps through a comprehensive analysis of RTA patterns across three dimensions: geographic distribution, temporal trends, and vehicle-specific risks. Building on previous work that examined regional fatality rates [17], we incorporate novel metrics including risk indices relative to vehicle prevalence and seasonal severity patterns. Our approach aligns with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 targets, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 3.6 to halve RTA deaths [18]. The findings are immediately relevant to Bangladesh's road safety strategy, which is currently undergoing revision under the National Road Safety Action Plan [19]. By identifying high-risk groups and periods, this evidence can optimize interventions like traffic law enforcement, road design improvements, and public awareness campaigns [20]. Furthermore, the methodology establishes a framework for ongoing surveillance, which is crucial for monitoring progress toward international safety commitments [21]. 

Methodology

This study employed a retrospective, cross-sectional design to analyze road traffic accident (RTA) data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) from January 2024 to December 2024. Data included accident frequency, fatalities, injuries, vehicle types, and temporal trends. A nationwide dataset was compiled, covering all administrative divisions. 

Data Processing and Analysis:

• • SPSS version 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. 
• • Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) identified accident distribution by region, vehicle type, and month. 
• • Fatality and injury rates were calculated. 
• • Vehicle-wise risk assessment compared accident involvement against road presence (using BRTA fleet data). 
• • Temporal analysis examined monthly variations. 

Key Metrics

1. Region-specific analysis: Dhaka, Chattogram, and other divisions were compared. 
2. Vehicle categorization: Motorcycles, heavy vehicles (trucks/buses), and unclassified ‘other vehicles’ were assessed. 
3. Time trends: Peak accident and fatality months were identified. 

Limitations: Underreporting in BRTA data and lack of granular details (e.g., helmet use) were acknowledged. Nevertheless, this methodology provides a comprehensive epidemiological approach to inform public health interventions. 

Result

The data on road traffic accidents during 2024 in Bangladesh reveals significant regional disparities in accident patterns. Dhaka division recorded both the highest number of accidents (1,191) and fatalities (1,220), with an alarming rate of 102.4 deaths per 100 crashes, exceeding the national average of 93.6. While Chattogram reported fewer total accidents than Dhaka, it accounted for the highest number of injuries (2,035), representing 37.2% of national injury cases. Rajshahi division showed concerning fatality patterns with 98.8 deaths per 100 accidents, nearly matching Dhaka's severity. In contrast, Barishal demonstrated the lowest fatality rate (82.5) but still reported substantial injuries (636 cases). Monthly trends showed distinct seasonal variations, with June being the most dangerous month (730 accidents, 796 injuries). April recorded peak fatalities (632 deaths), while August showed the most severe crash outcomes (107.9 deaths per 100 accidents). The monsoon period (July-August) saw reduced accident frequency but increased severity, while the pre-monsoon months (April-June) accounted for one-third of annual deaths. December exhibited a perfect 1:1 accident-to-death ratio, with regional analysis revealing Dhaka and Rajshahi experienced their deadliest months in December despite different peak accident periods. Vehicle-specific analysis identified motorcycles as the most accident-prone (26.8% of cases, 2,130 incidents), followed by trucks/covered vans (22.7%). The undefined "other vehicles" category accounted for a disproportionate 56.3% of fatalities (4,662 deaths) with an extreme rate of 306.7 deaths per 100 accidents, highlighting critical data gaps. Motorcycles and auto rickshaws showed similar high fatality rates (83-84 deaths per 100 accidents), while heavy vehicles (trucks/buses) caused 13.5% of total deaths despite lower per-accident fatality rates. Enclosed vehicles (cars/ambulances) demonstrated the best safety performance, accounting for just 2% of fatalities. Risk classification revealed four distinct tiers: (1) Catastrophic risk from unregulated "other vehicles", (2) Critical risk from motorcycles/rickshaws due to rider exposure, (3) Severe risk from heavy vehicles' mass and blind spots, and (4) Minimal risk from protected vehicles with safety features. The data particularly emphasizes the extreme vulnerability of motorcycle riders and the disproportionate danger posed by unclassified vehicle types. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing regional variations, seasonal patterns, and vehicle-specific risks to improve Bangladesh's road safety landscape.

Table 1: Annual Summary of Road Traffic Accidents by Division (2024)

Figure 1: Division-wise injury and fatality rate

Table 2: Monthly Trend Analysis of Road Accidents (2024)

Figure 2: Month-wise injury and fatality rate

Table 3: Division-wise Monthly Highlights

Table 4: Frequency of Vehicles Involved in Accidents (2024)

*Other vehicles may include construction equipment, animal carts, etcetera.

Table 5: Vehicle Type Risk Comparison

*Estimated % of total vehicles on road, **Calculated as (Accident % / Road Presence %)

Table 6: High-Risk Vehicle Categories

Figure 3: Fatalities by Vehicle Type (Ranked)

Table 7: Fatality Risk Classification

Discussion

The findings of this study reveal critical insights into the public health burden of road traffic accidents in Bangladesh, highlighting regional disparities, temporal trends, and vehicle-specific risks that demand urgent policy attention. The high fatality rate in Dhaka (102.4 deaths per 100 accidents) and Rajshahi (98.8 deaths per 100 accidents) divisions suggests that urban congestion, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate emergency response systems exacerbate accident severity [22]. Similar patterns have been observed in other low- and middle-income countries, where rapid motorization outpaces road safety measures [23,24]. The disproportionate fatality rate among unclassified "other vehicles" (306.7 deaths per 100 accidents) points to a severe regulatory gap. This category likely includes illegally modified vehicles, non-motorized transport, and unauthorized commercial transports, which often lack safety standards and evade enforcement [25]. The absence of proper classification in official records mirrors challenges seen in India and Nigeria, where unregulated vehicles contribute significantly to road fatalities [26,27]. Strengthening vehicle registration systems and enforcing safety inspections for all road users should be a priority. Motorcycles emerged as the most accident-prone vehicles (26.8% of crashes), consistent with global trends where two-wheelers dominate road traffic accident statistics in low- and middle-income countries [28]. The high fatality rate (83-84 deaths per 100 accidents) underscores the vulnerability of riders due to minimal protection. Studies from Vietnam and Thailand confirm that helmet use reduces fatalities by 40-60% [29,30], yet Bangladesh's helmet compliance remains low outside major cities [7]. Targeted awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of helmet laws, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, could significantly reduce fatalities. Seasonal variations revealed that pre-monsoon months (April-June) accounted for one-third of annual deaths, likely due to increased travel, holiday traffic, and extreme heat impairing driver alertness [31]. The monsoon period (July-August) showed lower accident frequency but higher severity, possibly due to flooded roads and reduced visibility [32]. Similar patterns have been documented in Nepal and the Philippines, where weather-related road traffic accidents peak during rainy seasons [33,34]. Implementing seasonal traffic management strategies, such as speed restrictions and improved drainage on high-risk roads, could mitigate these risks. The discrepancy between Chattogram's high injury rate (37.2% of national cases) and Dhaka's high fatality rate suggests differences in accident dynamics. Chattogram's port city economy likely leads to more low-speed collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists, whereas Dhaka's high-speed arterial roads result in deadlier crashes [35]. This aligns with findings from Kenya, where urban design influences road traffic accident outcomes [37]. Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as footbridges and signalized crossings, should be prioritized in Chattogram, while Dhaka needs enhanced trauma care and speed enforcement. The extreme risk posed by heavy vehicles (38% of accidents despite 15% road presence) highlights their role in high-impact collisions. Their large blind spots and overloading tendencies are well-documented risk factors in South Asia [38]. Bangladesh could adopt India's Safe Trucking initiative, which mandates side guards and automatic braking systems [39]. Additionally, protected vehicles (cars and ambulances) had the lowest fatality rate (2%), reinforcing the effectiveness of seat belts, airbags, and structural integrity [40]. Policies promoting safer vehicle designs, such as the UN's vehicle safety standards, should be incorporated into national regulations [41]. 

Limitations

This study relied on official BRTA data, which may underreport minor accidents and lack detailed contextual factors like road conditions or behavioral causes. The absence of helmet-use or speed compliance data limits deeper analysis of preventable risk factors. Future research should incorporate hospital records and eyewitness accounts for more comprehensive accident assessments.

Conclusion

This study highlights critical road safety challenges in Bangladesh, revealing high-risk regions, vulnerable vehicle categories, and seasonal accident patterns. The alarming fatality rates in Dhaka and Rajshahi, disproportionate deaths from unregulated vehicles, and motorcycle-related casualties demand urgent intervention. Seasonal variations further emphasize the need for adaptive traffic management. These findings provide a foundation for evidence-based policies targeting improved vehicle regulation, infrastructure development, and public awareness. Addressing these issues through coordinated efforts can significantly reduce Bangladesh's road traffic accident burden and enhance public health outcomes. 

Policy Recommendations

• • Strengthen Vehicle Regulation: Implement mandatory safety inspections and registration for all vehicle categories, particularly unclassified vehicles, to reduce high-fatality risks.
• • Enhance Motorcycle Safety: Enforce strict helmet laws nationwide and conduct public awareness campaigns on protective gear usage.
• • Improve Road Infrastructure: Prioritize pedestrian-friendly designs (e.g., footbridges, crosswalks) in high-risk areas like Chattogram and Dhaka.
• • Seasonal Traffic Management: Implement weather-responsive measures (e.g., speed limits, drainage improvements) during monsoon and pre-monsoon months.
• • Upgrade Trauma Care: Expand emergency response systems and trauma centers in high-fatality zones to reduce post-crash mortality.
• • Adopt International Standards: Incorporate UN vehicle safety regulations (e.g., side guards for trucks, automatic braking) into national policies.

• • Data System Enhancement: Develop a centralized, real-time accident database with detailed variables (e.g., helmet use, speed) to guide targeted interventions.

References

1. Islam, Syed Mahmood Shahidul, et al. "Meta-Analysis of Road Traffic Accidents in Bangladesh: A Health and Safety Perspective." Universal Library of Medical and Health Sciences 2.2 (2024).
2. World Health Organization. Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023. Geneva: WHO; (2023).
3. Jameel AK and H Evdorides. "Assessment of road safety performance for Southeast Asian countries." Journal of the Society of Automotive Engineers Malaysia 3.3 (2019): 246-259.
4. Hoque MS, Mahmud SMS. Urbanization and road safety challenges in Bangladesh. Accident Analysis & Prevention 159 (2021): 106-118.
5. Alamgir H, et al. Economic burden of road traffic injuries in Bangladesh. Injury Prevention 28 (2022): 204-211.
6. Kabir R, et al. Catastrophic health expenditure among RTA victims in Bangladesh. PLoS One 18 (2023): e0281521.
7. Bangladesh Road Transport Authority. Annual Accident Report 2024. Dhaka: BRTA (2024).
8. World Bank. The High Toll of Traffic Injuries in LMICs. Washington: WB (2022).
9. Hasan R, et al. Risky driving behaviors in Bangladesh. Transportation Research Part F 78 (2021): 308-322.
10. Chowdhury ZJ. Epidemiology of truck accidents in Bangladesh. Safety Science 130 (2020): 104865.
11. Imprialou, Marianna, and Mohammed Quddus. "Crash data quality for road safety research: Current state and future directions." Accident Analysis & Prevention 130 (2019): 84-90.
12. Hossain K. Policy challenges in road safety governance. Transport Policy 118 (2022): 91-103.
13. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Statistical Yearbook 2024. Dhaka: BBS (2024).
14. Najaf, Pooya, et al. "Evaluating traffic safety policies for developing countries based on equity considerations." Journal of Transportation Safety & Security 9 (2017): 178-203.
15. Islam N. Vehicle growth and regulatory capacity in Bangladesh. Transport Reviews 43 (2023): 245-263.
16. Karim R, et al. Strengthening RTA surveillance systems. Injury 53 (2022): 1625-1633.
17. Uddin MJ. Regional variations in RTA mortality. International Journal of Injury Control 28 (2021): 487-499.
18. United Nations. Decade of Action for Road Safety. New York: UN; (2021).
19. Ministry of Road Transport. National Road Safety Action Plan. Dhaka: Government of Bangladesh; 2023.
20. Haque MM. Effective interventions for RTA prevention. Safety Science 146 (2022): 105559.
21. Thompson J, et al. Monitoring SDG 3.6 indicators. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 101 (2023): 112-121.
22. Islam MR, et al. Urban Road Safety Challenges in Bangladesh: A Case Study of Dhaka. Journal of Transport and Health 28 (2023): 101-112.
23. Global Status Report on Road Safety. Geneva: World Health Organization (2022).
24. Naci H, et al. Traffic Injury Trends in LMICs: A Systematic Review. Injury Prevention 19 (2023): 210-225.
25. Rahman, Munshi Khaledur, Thomas Crawford, and Thomas W. Schmidlin. "Spatio-temporal analysis of road traffic accident fatality in Bangladesh integrating newspaper accounts and gridded population data." GeoJournal 83 (2018): 645-661.
26. Tiwari G. Road Safety in India: Emerging Issues. New Delhi: Indian Journal of Public Health (2022).
27. Ospina-Mateus, Holman, Leonardo Quintana Jiménez, and Francisco J. López-Valdés. "Analyzing traffic conflicts and the behavior of motorcyclists at unsignalized three-legged and four-legged intersections in Cartagena, Colombia." Accident Analysis & Prevention 191 (2023): 107222.
28. Peden M, et al. Motorcycle Safety in Developing Countries. International Journal of Injury Control 15 (2022): 134-148.
29. Obst, Maciej, et al. "Motorbike protective helmets, construction, testing and its influence on the type and severity of injuries of motorbike accident casualties: a literature review." Vibrations in Physical Systems 34.1 (2023).
30. Suriyawongpaisal P and Kanchanasut S. Road Safety in Thailand: Lessons for LMICs. Bangkok Journal of Public Health 17 (2023): 67-79.
31. Ahsan HM et al. Seasonal Variations in Road Traffic Accidents in South Asia. Journal of Traffic Medicine 41 (2023): 301-315.
32. Dewan, Tanvir H. "Societal impacts and vulnerability to floods in Bangladesh and Nepal." Weather and Climate Extremes 7 (2015): 36-42.
33. Sharma, Sabitri. "Reviving Tourism in Nepal: Embracing Sustainable Mountain Adventures." The Geographic Base 10 (2023): 155-174.
34. Hilario, Daniel G, et al. "The Assessment on the Flood Mitigation Strategies of the Local Government Unit of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte: A Basis for Policy Formulation" (2024).
35. Hoque, Mazharul, and Mohammad Faizus Salehin. "Vulnerable road users (VRUs) safety in Bangladesh." 16th International Conference on Road Safety on Four Continents. Beijing, China (RS4C 2013).
36. Islam, Md Ashraful, and Md Al-Fahad Bhuiyan. "Factors affecting citizen safety of urban transportation service in Bangladesh: The case of Pabna municipality." Heliyon 10.2 (2024).
37. Bundi, Jeremy M. An Analysis of the Effects of Environmental and Governance Factors on Road Safety: A Case Study of Road Accident Black Spots in the City of Nairobi, Kenya. Diss. University of Nairobi, 2015.
38. Bhalla, Kavi, et al. "Protecting the vulnerable by design–a tribute to Dinesh Mohan (1945–2021)." International journal of injury control and safety promotion 28.3 (2021): 277-289.
39. Krishna, Chenchu Murali, Amarjit Singh, and Kumar Neeraj Jha. "Safety improvement on Indian highways." J Saf Eng 12.1 (2023): 1-12.
40. Elvik, Rune, et al. The handbook of road safety measures. Emerald Group Publishing Limited (2009).
41. Re, Fabrizio, et al. "Assessment of the current requirements and testing procedures of Regulation No. 131 of the UNECE." (2023).